EP1628539B1 - Functional water - Google Patents
Functional water Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1628539B1 EP1628539B1 EP04732317A EP04732317A EP1628539B1 EP 1628539 B1 EP1628539 B1 EP 1628539B1 EP 04732317 A EP04732317 A EP 04732317A EP 04732317 A EP04732317 A EP 04732317A EP 1628539 B1 EP1628539 B1 EP 1628539B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tea
- based beverage
- water
- ppm
- functional water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 91
- 229910001868 water Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 91
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 85
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 241001122767 Theaceae Species 0.000 claims abstract 40
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000001223 reverse osmosis Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bicarbonate Chemical compound OC([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 150000001720 carbohydrates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 abstract description 10
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 10
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 97
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0.000 description 97
- 235000008504 concentrate Nutrition 0.000 description 28
- 235000019640 taste Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 235000014633 carbohydrates Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 235000006468 Thea sinensis Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Fluoride anion Chemical compound [F-] KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L Magnesium sulfate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002244 precipitate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- PUZPDOWCWNUUKD-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium fluoride Chemical compound [F-].[Na+] PUZPDOWCWNUUKD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- WBYWAXJHAXSJNI-VOTSOKGWSA-M .beta-Phenylacrylic acid Natural products [O-]C(=O)\C=C\C1=CC=CC=C1 WBYWAXJHAXSJNI-VOTSOKGWSA-M 0.000 description 1
- CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)- Chemical compound [K+].CC=CC=CC([O-])=O CHHHXKFHOYLYRE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 241001131796 Botaurus stellaris Species 0.000 description 1
- WBYWAXJHAXSJNI-SREVYHEPSA-N Cinnamic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)\C=C/C1=CC=CC=C1 WBYWAXJHAXSJNI-SREVYHEPSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229930006000 Sucrose Natural products 0.000 description 1
- CZMRCDWAGMRECN-UGDNZRGBSA-N Sucrose Chemical compound O[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@]1(CO)O[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 CZMRCDWAGMRECN-UGDNZRGBSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- -1 acidulants (e.g. Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- YCLAMANSVUJYPT-UHFFFAOYSA-L aluminum chloride hydroxide hydrate Chemical compound O.[OH-].[Al+3].[Cl-] YCLAMANSVUJYPT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019606 astringent taste Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000020279 black tea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001110 calcium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001628 calcium chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 201000011510 cancer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000002421 cell wall Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229930016911 cinnamic acid Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 235000013985 cinnamic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021641 deionized water Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036449 good health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000009569 green tea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019534 high fructose corn syrup Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000020344 instant tea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- TWRXJAOTZQYOKJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L magnesium chloride Substances [Mg+2].[Cl-].[Cl-] TWRXJAOTZQYOKJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910001629 magnesium chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052943 magnesium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019341 magnesium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- WBYWAXJHAXSJNI-UHFFFAOYSA-N methyl p-hydroxycinnamate Natural products OC(=O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 WBYWAXJHAXSJNI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 208000010125 myocardial infarction Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000001103 potassium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M potassium chloride Inorganic materials [Cl-].[K+] WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000010241 potassium sorbate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004302 potassium sorbate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940069338 potassium sorbate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003755 preservative agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- WXMKPNITSTVMEF-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium benzoate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 WXMKPNITSTVMEF-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000010234 sodium benzoate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004299 sodium benzoate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011775 sodium fluoride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013024 sodium fluoride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005720 sucrose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006188 syrup Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020357 syrup Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23F—COFFEE; TEA; THEIR SUBSTITUTES; MANUFACTURE, PREPARATION, OR INFUSION THEREOF
- A23F3/00—Tea; Tea substitutes; Preparations thereof
- A23F3/16—Tea extraction; Tea extracts; Treating tea extract; Making instant tea
- A23F3/163—Liquid or semi-liquid tea extract preparations, e.g. gels, liquid extracts in solid capsules
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/66—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by neutralisation; pH adjustment
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/001—Upstream control, i.e. monitoring for predictive control
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/06—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment pH
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/07—Alkalinity
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/10—Solids, e.g. total solids [TS], total suspended solids [TSS] or volatile solids [VS]
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to functional water. More particularly, the invention is directed to functional water comprising less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids.
- the functional water of the present invention when used to make a tea-based beverage, unexpectedly results in a beverage having superior flavor and appearance characteristics.
- Tea-based beverages are some of the most popular beverages with consumers. In fact, many studies indicate that tea-based beverages promote good health. For example, studies indicate that both green and black tea, which are derived from Camellia sinensis, comprise cancer fighting antioxidants.
- tea-based beverages made with reverse osmosis water can be bitter, sour, flat and metallic tasting.
- tea-based beverages made with conventional tap water can be weak tasting, lacking in astringency, cloudy and have hazy precipitates suspended therein.
- This invention is directed to functional water whereby the water comprises less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids.
- the functional water of the present invention unexpectedly can be used to make a consistent tea-based beverage with superior flavor and appearance characteristics.
- the tea-based beverage made with the functional water of the present invention surprisingly, has characteristics similar to that of beverages made with spring water which typically can have at least 35% by weight less dissolved solids than the functional water of this invention.
- the present invention is directed to functional water comprising:
- the present invention is directed to a method for making a tea-based beverage comprising the functional water of the first aspect of the invention.
- the present invention is directed to a tea-based beverage comprising the functional water of the first aspect of this invention.
- Tea based beverage is defined to mean any beverage that comprises a component derived from Camellia sinensis.
- Total dissolved solids means the total amount of solids that can be recovered in dry form when water is evaporated off of the functional water of this invention.
- Ions are defined to mean electrically charged (e.g., monovalent or divalent) atoms or radicals generated from the total dissolved solids in the functional water of this invention and selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, sulfate, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, fluoride and chloride ions.
- Reverse osmosis water means pure H 2 O and comprising no ions.
- Superior flavor as used herein, means a taste grade of at least good as determined by a trained flavor panel. Superior appearance characteristics means having a Hunter Haze Value from 15 to 50 as determined with a Hunterlab DP-9000 Spectrophotometer at about ambient temperature in a 5 cm cell.
- the only limitation with respect to the method of generating the functional water of the present invention is that the method employed results in water having less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids, more dissolved solids than reverse osmosis water and less than 50 ppm bicarbonate.
- Such a method can be one where dry solids are added to precursor tap water, spring water or reverse osmosis water to generate the functional water of the present invention.
- Other methods can include filtration systems that have a non-functional (e.g., tap) water input and may be designed to deliver or output the functional water described.
- the functional water of the present invention comprises from 0 to 95 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to less than 200 ppm ions which are monovalent, and preferably, from 5 to 80 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to 175 ppm ions which are monovalent, and most preferably, from 10 to 65 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to 155 ppm ions which are monovalent, including all ranges subsumed therein.
- the functional water of the present invention comprises from 0 to less than 50 ppm bicarbonate, and most preferably, from 0.001 to 10 ppm bicarbonate, including all ranges subsumed therein.
- such a beverage may be made from tea leaves, tea powders, tea concentrates or a combination thereof, and preferably, the tea leaves, powders and concentrates made commercially available by Unilever Bestfoods under the Lipton Brand.
- the tea-based beverage for example, is made by pouring, dripping or spraying the functional water of this invention over the tea leaves in a sachet (e.g., bag) or over the tea leaves loose within filter paper.
- the process for making the tea-based beverage from tea leaves can be on a cup-by-cup basis or via a large batch basis which employs a conventional tea brewing apparatus.
- a preferred apparatus suitable to utilize the functional water of this invention to brew a superior tea-based beverage from leaf tea has been designed by Unilever Bestfoods under the Lipton Brand.
- An example of such an apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,927,170 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the tea powder When the functional water of the present invention is combined with or added to tea powder (i.e., instant tea) to make a superior tea-based beverage, the tea powder is usually prepared by extracting raw tea leaves to produce a concentrated tea extract.
- the concentrated tea extract usually contains from about 2 to about 70% by weight solids and it is subsequently subjected to an evaporation process to remove water, resulting in the desired tea powder.
- Illustrative examples of the types of tea powders which may be used in this invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,222,182 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the functional water of the present invention is used with a shelf stable tea concentrate.
- a shelf stable tea concentrate is made by continuous or batch extractions with tea leaves to produce an extract which is centrifuged and concentrated.
- the resulting concentrate may be pasteurized, aseptically packed and suitable to produce ready-to-drink (RTD) tea even after being stored for three months.
- RTD ready-to-drink
- the shelf stable tea concentrate employed with the functional water of this invention has mixed with it a carbohydrate such as sucrose and/or corn syrup, especially high fructose corn syrup, in order to enhance concentrate stability.
- a superior tea-based beverage with the functional water of this invention and shelf stable tea concentrate typically from about 25 to about 40% by weight of tea concentrate, (based on total weight of the shelf stable tea concentrate) having about 5 to about 65% by weight tea solids (based on total weight of tea concentrate) is combined with select carbohydrates in a ratio of about 1.5 parts or more of carbohydrate to one part of tea solids.
- Tea aroma and tea flavor may be added (collectively between about 5 to about 15% by weight based on total weight of shelf stable tea concentrate).
- Preservatives e.g., potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate
- acidulants e.g., citric acid
- food grade colorants and water may also be added to the shelf stable tea concentrate and such additives, collectively, make up from about 5 to about 12% by weight of the total weight of the shelf stable tea concentrate.
- Carbohydrate in a preferred embodiment, makes up from about 10 to about 75%, and preferably, from about 40 to about 50% by weight of the shelf stable tea concentrate.
- the tea concentrate used to make the preferred stabilized tea concentrate suitable for use with the functional water of this invention is derived from conventional processes that use water, and enzyme systems that hydrolyze tea leaf cell walls to yield a tea extract slurry. Leaf is separated from the slurry which is then hot extracted. The resulting tea extract is pasteurized, concentrated (at least once) and clarified to produce the tea concentrate used to make the preferred shelf stable tea concentrate.
- any commercially available RTD dispensing apparatus may be used.
- Such an apparatus is usually equipped with a reservoir for the shelf stable tea concentrate and at least one conduit for delivering the water.
- shelf stable tea concentrate is pumped from the reservoir within the RTD dispensing apparatus and into a mixing chamber.
- a portion of the functional water of this invention is delivered to the RTD dispensing apparatus and heated within the same to a temperature from about 75 to about 90°C.
- the resulting heated functional water is then combined (or simultaneously delivered) with the shelf stable extract within the mixing chamber, yielding a diluted concentrate.
- the diluted concentrate is then pumped to or combined with additional functional water, preferably at ambient temperature, to produce a superior tea-based beverage.
- additional functional water preferably at ambient temperature
- no more than 10% of the total amount of functional water employed to make the tea-based beverage is heated, and most preferably, from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight of the total amount of functional water is heated.
- the preferred apparatus suitable for use with the functional water of this invention is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 10/027,848 , entitled, Beverage Brewing System and Method for Brewing a Beverage and filed December 20, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the functional water of this invention has a pH from 7.0 to 8.5, and preferably, from 7.0 to 7.7.
- the resulting tea-based beverage obtained regardless of tea leaf, powder or concentrate is used, typically has enough functional water to yield beverage comprising from 0.05 to 6.0%, and preferably, from 0.1 to 3.0%, and most preferably, from 0.2 to 0.6% by weight tea solids, based on total weight of the tea-based beverage and including all ranges subsumed therein.
- the superior tea-based beverage prepared from the functional water of the present invention unexpectedly has superior taste/flavor characteristics, is free of precipitates, and has excellent appearance characteristics.
- darkness (L) and redness (a) of the superior tea-based beverage as determined with a Hunterlab DP-9000 Spectrophotometer at about ambient temperature in a 5 cm cell, are each, independently, from 25 to 35.
- Eight (8) tea-based beverages were made by mixing stabilized tea concentrate (made commercially available by Unilever Bestfoods under the name Lipton Brewed Iced Tea, suitable for use with the Lipton Brewed Ice Tea System) with the eight water types from Example 1. The amount of water and tea concentrate used resulted in eight (8) tea-based beverages having about 0.28% tea solids.
- the eight (8) tea-based beverages were analyzed for Haze Value, darkness (L) and redness (a) utilizing a Hunterlab DP-9000 Spectrophotometer at ambient temperature in a 5 cm cell. The results obtained are set forth in Table II.
- Example 2 Portions of the eight (8) beverages prepared in Example 2 were given to trained flavor panelists.
- the panelists sampled/tasted each tea-based beverage (rinsing their mouths with water and having a cracker between each beverage) and rated the beverages for overall flavor on a scale of poor-to-good-to-excellent and on specific characteristics on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the strongest.
- the average of the results obtained are set forth in Table III.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Tea And Coffee (AREA)
- Lubricants (AREA)
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is directed to functional water. More particularly, the invention is directed to functional water comprising less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids. The functional water of the present invention, when used to make a tea-based beverage, unexpectedly results in a beverage having superior flavor and appearance characteristics.
- Tea-based beverages are some of the most popular beverages with consumers. In fact, many studies indicate that tea-based beverages promote good health. For example, studies indicate that both green and black tea, which are derived from Camellia sinensis, comprise cancer fighting antioxidants.
- Other studies indicate that people who drink one or more cups of tea per day may have half the heart attack risk than people who drink no tea.
- Notwithstanding the advantages of drinking a tea-based beverage, it is not always routine to generate a consistent beverage. Particularly, the water used to make a desired tea-based beverage can have a significant impact on, among other things, the taste and appearance of the beverage.
- When levels of certain ions within the water used to generate the tea-based beverage are too high or too low, the resulting beverage often tastes and looks inferior. For example, tea-based beverages made with reverse osmosis water can be bitter, sour, flat and metallic tasting. Moreover, such tea-based beverages made with conventional tap water can be weak tasting, lacking in astringency, cloudy and have hazy precipitates suspended therein.
- It is of increasing interest to develop a means for generating a consistent tea-based beverage. This invention, therefore, is directed to functional water whereby the water comprises less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids. The functional water of the present invention unexpectedly can be used to make a consistent tea-based beverage with superior flavor and appearance characteristics. Particularly, the tea-based beverage made with the functional water of the present invention, surprisingly, has characteristics similar to that of beverages made with spring water which typically can have at least 35% by weight less dissolved solids than the functional water of this invention.
- Efforts have been disclosed for making tea-based beverages. In
U.S. Patent No. 6,423,362 ;6,423,361 ;6,413,570 ; and6,274,187 , tea-based beverages are described. - Other efforts have been disclosed for making tea-based beverages. In
U.S. Patent No. 6,036,986 , tea containing beverages with cinnamic acid are described. - Still other efforts have been disclosed for making tea-based beverages. In
U.S. Patent No. 6,022,576 , flavoring materials for use in tea containing beverages are described. None of the additional information above describes a functional water whereby the water has less than 200 ppm of total dissolved solids and is suitable for use in making a superior tea-based beverage. - Pangborn et al. ("Analysis of coffee, tea and artificially flavoured drinks prepared from mineralized waters", Journal of Food Science, 1971, 36, pp. 355-362) discloses preparation of tea from solutions of 8 minerals each at 750 ppm, and brewing of tea using 6 natural drinking waters ranging from 42-1,725 ppm of total dissolved solids.
- In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to functional water comprising:
- (a) less than 200 ppm of total dissolved solids and more total dissolved solids than reverse osmosis water; and
- (b) less than 50 ppm bicarbonate;
- In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for making a tea-based beverage comprising the functional water of the first aspect of the invention.
- In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a tea-based beverage comprising the functional water of the first aspect of this invention.
- Tea based beverage, as use herein, is defined to mean any beverage that comprises a component derived from Camellia sinensis. Total dissolved solids means the total amount of solids that can be recovered in dry form when water is evaporated off of the functional water of this invention. Ions are defined to mean electrically charged (e.g., monovalent or divalent) atoms or radicals generated from the total dissolved solids in the functional water of this invention and selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, sulfate, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, fluoride and chloride ions. Reverse osmosis water means pure H2O and comprising no ions. Superior flavor, as used herein, means a taste grade of at least good as determined by a trained flavor panel. Superior appearance characteristics means having a Hunter Haze Value from 15 to 50 as determined with a Hunterlab DP-9000 Spectrophotometer at about ambient temperature in a 5 cm cell.
- The only limitation with respect to the method of generating the functional water of the present invention is that the method employed results in water having less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids, more dissolved solids than reverse osmosis water and less than 50 ppm bicarbonate. Such a method can be one where dry solids are added to precursor tap water, spring water or reverse osmosis water to generate the functional water of the present invention. Other methods can include filtration systems that have a non-functional (e.g., tap) water input and may be designed to deliver or output the functional water described. The functional water of the present invention comprises from 0 to 95 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to less than 200 ppm ions which are monovalent, and preferably, from 5 to 80 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to 175 ppm ions which are monovalent, and most preferably, from 10 to 65 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to 155 ppm ions which are monovalent, including all ranges subsumed therein. In another preferred embodiment, the functional water of the present invention comprises from 0 to less than 50 ppm bicarbonate, and most preferably, from 0.001 to 10 ppm bicarbonate, including all ranges subsumed therein.
- Regarding the tea-based beverage made with the functional water of this invention, such a beverage may be made from tea leaves, tea powders, tea concentrates or a combination thereof, and preferably, the tea leaves, powders and concentrates made commercially available by Unilever Bestfoods under the Lipton Brand. When tea leaves are employed, the tea-based beverage, for example, is made by pouring, dripping or spraying the functional water of this invention over the tea leaves in a sachet (e.g., bag) or over the tea leaves loose within filter paper. The process for making the tea-based beverage from tea leaves can be on a cup-by-cup basis or via a large batch basis which employs a conventional tea brewing apparatus. A preferred apparatus suitable to utilize the functional water of this invention to brew a superior tea-based beverage from leaf tea has been designed by Unilever Bestfoods under the Lipton Brand. An example of such an apparatus is disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 5,927,170 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - When the functional water of the present invention is combined with or added to tea powder (i.e., instant tea) to make a superior tea-based beverage, the tea powder is usually prepared by extracting raw tea leaves to produce a concentrated tea extract. The concentrated tea extract usually contains from about 2 to about 70% by weight solids and it is subsequently subjected to an evaporation process to remove water, resulting in the desired tea powder. Illustrative examples of the types of tea powders which may be used in this invention are disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 3,222,182 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - In a preferred embodiment, the functional water of the present invention is used with a shelf stable tea concentrate. Such a shelf stable tea concentrate is made by continuous or batch extractions with tea leaves to produce an extract which is centrifuged and concentrated. The resulting concentrate may be pasteurized, aseptically packed and suitable to produce ready-to-drink (RTD) tea even after being stored for three months. In an especially preferred embodiment, the shelf stable tea concentrate employed with the functional water of this invention has mixed with it a carbohydrate such as sucrose and/or corn syrup, especially high fructose corn syrup, in order to enhance concentrate stability.
- When making a superior tea-based beverage with the functional water of this invention and shelf stable tea concentrate, typically from about 25 to about 40% by weight of tea concentrate, (based on total weight of the shelf stable tea concentrate) having about 5 to about 65% by weight tea solids (based on total weight of tea concentrate) is combined with select carbohydrates in a ratio of about 1.5 parts or more of carbohydrate to one part of tea solids. Tea aroma and tea flavor may be added (collectively between about 5 to about 15% by weight based on total weight of shelf stable tea concentrate). Preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate), acidulants (e.g., citric acid), food grade colorants and water may also be added to the shelf stable tea concentrate and such additives, collectively, make up from about 5 to about 12% by weight of the total weight of the shelf stable tea concentrate. Carbohydrate, in a preferred embodiment, makes up from about 10 to about 75%, and preferably, from about 40 to about 50% by weight of the shelf stable tea concentrate.
- The tea concentrate used to make the preferred stabilized tea concentrate suitable for use with the functional water of this invention is derived from conventional processes that use water, and enzyme systems that hydrolyze tea leaf cell walls to yield a tea extract slurry. Leaf is separated from the slurry which is then hot extracted. The resulting tea extract is pasteurized, concentrated (at least once) and clarified to produce the tea concentrate used to make the preferred shelf stable tea concentrate.
- The preferred shelf stable tea concentrates suitable for use with the functional water of this invention are described in
U.S. Patent Nos. 6,274,187 and6,413,570 , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. - When making the superior tea-based beverage with the functional water of this invention and shelf stable tea concentrate, any commercially available RTD dispensing apparatus may be used. Such an apparatus is usually equipped with a reservoir for the shelf stable tea concentrate and at least one conduit for delivering the water. In a preferred embodiment, shelf stable tea concentrate is pumped from the reservoir within the RTD dispensing apparatus and into a mixing chamber. A portion of the functional water of this invention is delivered to the RTD dispensing apparatus and heated within the same to a temperature from about 75 to about 90°C. The resulting heated functional water is then combined (or simultaneously delivered) with the shelf stable extract within the mixing chamber, yielding a diluted concentrate. The diluted concentrate is then pumped to or combined with additional functional water, preferably at ambient temperature, to produce a superior tea-based beverage. In a preferred embodiment, no more than 10% of the total amount of functional water employed to make the tea-based beverage is heated, and most preferably, from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight of the total amount of functional water is heated. The preferred apparatus suitable for use with the functional water of this invention is described in
U.S. Patent Application No. 10/027,848 , entitled, Beverage Brewing System and Method for Brewing a Beverage and filed December 20, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - In another preferred embodiment, the functional water of this invention has a pH from 7.0 to 8.5, and preferably, from 7.0 to 7.7.
- The resulting tea-based beverage obtained, regardless of tea leaf, powder or concentrate is used, typically has enough functional water to yield beverage comprising from 0.05 to 6.0%, and preferably, from 0.1 to 3.0%, and most preferably, from 0.2 to 0.6% by weight tea solids, based on total weight of the tea-based beverage and including all ranges subsumed therein.
- The superior tea-based beverage prepared from the functional water of the present invention unexpectedly has superior taste/flavor characteristics, is free of precipitates, and has excellent appearance characteristics. In an especially preferred embodiment, darkness (L) and redness (a) of the superior tea-based beverage, as determined with a Hunterlab DP-9000 Spectrophotometer at about ambient temperature in a 5 cm cell, are each, independently, from 25 to 35.
- The examples below are provided to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described in the claims.
- Eight (8) water types, as shown in Table I, were made by adding sodium bicarbonate; magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium chloride; sodium fluoride; magnesium sulfate to spring water or reverse osmosis water, or simply by using tap water.
Table I Water Types (PPM Ions) Tap i 1 Tap ii 2 Spring iii Functional 1 iv Functional 2 iv Functional 3 v Functional 4 v Reverse Osmosis vi Bicarbonate 82.4 -- 14.0 10.5 36.5 22.4 45.2 0.0 Chloride 160.0 67.0 5.3 23.7 55.1 48.5 52.5 0.0 Fluoride 0.2 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 Sulfate 10.0 24.0 3.2 3.3 8.8 21.2 3.2 0.0 Calcium 39.1 55.0 5.3 4.3 11.1 29.6 5.3 0.0 Magnesium 7.6 10.0 0.9 0.8 2.2 5.4 0.9 0.0 Potassium 2.0 6.1 0.7 4.3 10.5 0.7 8.8 0.0 Sodium 9.2 38.0 2.1 12.7 28.0 2.1 39.7 0.0 Total Dissolved Solids 310.1 230.0 45.0 60.3 152.5 142.8 169.1 0.0 i - tap water, Englewood Cliffs, NJ - Winter Season
ii - tap water, Englewood Cliffs, NJ - Spring Season
iii- made commercially available by Poland Spring ®
iv - made from solid addition to reverse osmosis water
v - made from solid addition to spring water
vi - deionized water - Eight (8) tea-based beverages were made by mixing stabilized tea concentrate (made commercially available by Unilever Bestfoods under the name Lipton Brewed Iced Tea, suitable for use with the Lipton Brewed Ice Tea System) with the eight water types from Example 1. The amount of water and tea concentrate used resulted in eight (8) tea-based beverages having about 0.28% tea solids. The eight (8) tea-based beverages were analyzed for Haze Value, darkness (L) and redness (a) utilizing a Hunterlab DP-9000 Spectrophotometer at ambient temperature in a 5 cm cell. The results obtained are set forth in Table II.
Table II Tap 1 Tap 2 Spring iii Functional 1 Functional 2 Functional 3 Functional 4 Reverse Osmosis Haze 70.93 --- 19.36 16.19 30.78 50.62 29.69 6.30 L 21.35 --- 28.73 29.74 28.51 27.24 28.81 30.37 a 24.79 --- 29.18 29.30 28.82 27.62 29.88 29.59 - Portions of the eight (8) beverages prepared in Example 2 were given to trained flavor panelists. The panelists sampled/tasted each tea-based beverage (rinsing their mouths with water and having a cracker between each beverage) and rated the beverages for overall flavor on a scale of poor-to-good-to-excellent and on specific characteristics on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being the strongest. The average of the results obtained are set forth in Table III.
Table III Tap 1 Tap 2 Spring Water Functional 1 Functional 2 Functional 3 Functional 4 Reverse Osmosis Overall Taste Poor Poor Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Good Poor Astringen cy 4 4 7 7 7 6 5 8 Freshness 5 5 9 9 9 6 8 9 Sweetness 4 4 5 5 5 5 7 3 Bitternes s 4 4 8 8 8 7 6 9 Smoothnes s 8 8 5 6 6 6 7 5 - The results above indicate that tea-based beverages made with the functional water of the present invention unexpectedly display superior flavor and appearance characteristics.
wherein the functional water has a pH from 7.0 to less than 8.5 and is suitable for making a tea-based beverage comprising from 0.05 to 6.0% by weight tea solids and having a Hunter Haze Value from 15 to 50.
Claims (18)
- Functional water comprising:(a) less than 200 ppm total dissolved solids and more total dissolved solids than reverse osmosis water; and(b) less than 50 ppm bicarbonate;and wherein the water comprises from 0 to 95 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to 200 ppm ions which are monovalent;
wherein the functional water has a pH from 7.0 to 8.5 and is suitable for making a tea-based beverage comprising from 0.05 to 6.0% by weight tea solids and having a Hunter Haze Value from 15 to 50. - The functional water according to claim 1 wherein from 0.001 to 10 ppm bicarbonate is present.
- The functional water according to claim 1 wherein the functional water has a pH from 7.0 to 7.7.
- The functional water according to claim 1 wherein the functional water results from the addition of dry solids being added to precursor tap water, spring water or reverse osmosis water or a filter that filters tap water.
- A method for making a tea-based beverage comprising the steps of:(a) providing a tea-based beverage precursor; and(b) combining the tea-based beverage precursor with functional water comprisingand wherein the functional water comprises from 0 to 95 ppm ions which are divalent and from 50 to 200 ppm ions which are monovalent;(i) less than 200 ppm of total dissolved solids and more total dissolved solids than reverse osmosis water; and(ii) less than 50 ppm bicarbonate;
wherein the functional water has a pH from 7.0 to less than 8.5. - The method for making a tea-based beverage according to claim 5 wherein the tea-based beverage comprises from 0.05 to 6.0% by weight tea solids.
- The method for making a tea-based beverage according to claim 5 wherein no more than 10% by weight of the total amount of functional water employed is heated prior to making the tea-based beverage.
- The method for making a tea-based beverage according to claim 5 wherein the tea-based beverage precursor is tea leaf, tea powder or a tea concentrate.
- The method for making a tea-based beverage according to claim 8 wherein the tea concentrate is shelf stable tea concentrate comprising carbohydrate.
- The method for making a tea-based beverage according to claim 5 wherein the tea-based beverage is made in a ready-to-drink dispensing apparatus.
- A tea-based beverage comprising:(a) tea solids; and(b) functional water comprising less than 200 ppm of total dissolved solids and more total dissolved solids than reverse osmosis water and less than 50 ppm bicarbonate;wherein the functional water comprises from 50 to 200 ppm ions which are monovalent and from 0 to 95 ppm ions which are divalent and has a pH from 7.0 to less than 8.5.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the tea-based beverage is ready-to-drink.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the beverage comprises from 0.001 to 10 ppm bicarbonate.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the tea-based beverage has a Hunter Haze Value from 15 to 50.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the tea-based beverage has, independently, a darkness value (L) and a redness value (a) from 25 to 35.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the tea solids make up from 0.05 to 6.0% by weight of the tea-based beverage.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the tea solids make up from 0.1 to 3.0% by weight of the tea-based beverage.
- The tea-based beverage according to claim 11 wherein the tea solids are provided from a tea concentrate comprising carbohydrate.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL04732317T PL1628539T3 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2004-05-12 | Functional water |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/452,620 US7141264B2 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-06-02 | Functional water |
PCT/EP2004/005129 WO2004105501A1 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2004-05-12 | Functional water |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1628539A1 EP1628539A1 (en) | 2006-03-01 |
EP1628539B1 true EP1628539B1 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
Family
ID=33452034
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04732317A Expired - Lifetime EP1628539B1 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2004-05-12 | Functional water |
Country Status (16)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7141264B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1628539B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4473265B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100421566C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE368386T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2004243472B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0411138A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2524432A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602004007914T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2289517T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05012881A (en) |
PL (1) | PL1628539T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1628539E (en) |
RU (1) | RU2354231C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004105501A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200508773B (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RO121638B1 (en) * | 2004-09-07 | 2008-01-30 | Institutul Naţional De Cercetare Dezvoltare Pentru Tehnologii Criogenice Şi Izotopice | Process and installation for obtaining deuterium-depleted water |
US20060177559A1 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2006-08-10 | Pepsico, Inc. | Stable beverage compositions containing tea polyphenols, flavonoids or catechins and methods |
US20070009641A1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-11 | Erickson Ken R | Stable tea concentrates |
KR20090004886A (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2009-01-12 | 데이빗 알. 비먼 | Water formulation |
US20090047405A1 (en) * | 2007-08-16 | 2009-02-19 | Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever | Food composition with therapeutic agents |
DK3287471T3 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2021-01-11 | Nutrileads B V | Polysaccharide suitable for modulating immune response |
PL2651235T3 (en) * | 2010-12-16 | 2015-02-27 | Unilever Nv | Tea-based beverage |
US8790513B1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2014-07-29 | Roger Boulter | Beverage water maker |
WO2013090402A1 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2013-06-20 | Wadhwa Manpreet S | Liquid dietary supplement formulation compositions |
CN103792202B (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2016-08-17 | 重庆烟草工业有限责任公司 | A kind of measure the method for tea dust addition in composite filter |
RU2552465C1 (en) * | 2014-07-01 | 2015-06-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Кубанский государственный технологический университет" (ФГБОУ ВПО "КубГТУ") | "amber fairy" functional drinking water |
CN109562967B (en) * | 2016-05-11 | 2023-04-11 | 滨特尔过滤解决方案有限责任公司 | Water ionization system and method |
US10939694B2 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2021-03-09 | Third Wave Water Llc | Drink water treatment composition, and method of making a drink water treatment composition |
EP3711641A1 (en) * | 2019-03-21 | 2020-09-23 | Riprup Company S.A. | Method of preparing water for coffee brewing |
KR102513598B1 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2023-03-24 | 아쿠아마린 미네랄스 테크놀로지 컴퍼니 | Aqueous Concentrates, Aqueous Formulations and Beverage Manufacturing Methods |
Family Cites Families (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3222182A (en) | 1963-05-16 | 1965-12-07 | Lipton Inc Thomas J | Drying instant tea |
US3250704A (en) * | 1963-11-12 | 1966-05-10 | Union Tank Car Co | Method for removing impurities from water streams |
US3494836A (en) * | 1965-09-02 | 1970-02-10 | W L Badger Associates Inc | Multistage falling film flash evaporator for producing fresh water |
US4063538A (en) * | 1976-02-12 | 1977-12-20 | The Board Of Trustees Of Leland Stanford Junior University | Ignition timing control method and apparatus |
US4135001A (en) * | 1977-08-24 | 1979-01-16 | Tenco Brooke Bond, Ltd. | Process for enhancing the color and flavor of tea |
JPS5561982A (en) * | 1978-11-01 | 1980-05-10 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Drinking water-making method from distilled water |
JPS5865950A (en) * | 1981-10-14 | 1983-04-19 | Nippon Denso Co Ltd | Method of controlling internal-combustion engine |
IT1183968B (en) * | 1985-09-20 | 1987-10-22 | Weber Spa | SELF-CORRECTION SYSTEM OF THE INJECTION TIME AT THE VARIATION OF THE ALTITUDE FOR AN ENDOTHERMAL ENGINE INCLUDING AN ELECTRONIC INJECTION SYSTEM |
DE3630538A1 (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1988-03-10 | Perlite Gmbh | DEVICE FOR DEACTIFICATING WATER |
US4797293A (en) * | 1987-06-09 | 1989-01-10 | General Foods Corporation | Process for a non-clouding, concentrated tea extract |
US4879656A (en) * | 1987-10-26 | 1989-11-07 | Ford Motor Company | Engine control system with adaptive air charge control |
DE3935299A1 (en) * | 1989-10-24 | 1991-04-25 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | COATING FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINES |
US5323748A (en) * | 1991-08-28 | 1994-06-28 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Adaptive dilution control system for increasing engine efficiencies and reducing emissions |
US5535620A (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1996-07-16 | Applied Computer Engineering, Inc. | Engine management system |
US5915272A (en) * | 1993-08-02 | 1999-06-22 | Motorola Inc. | Method of detecting low compression pressure responsive to crankshaft acceleration measurement and apparatus therefor |
JP2942445B2 (en) * | 1993-08-20 | 1999-08-30 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Air-fuel ratio sensor |
US6241893B1 (en) * | 1994-06-17 | 2001-06-05 | Ehud Levy | Water filtration media, apparatus and processes |
US6269300B1 (en) * | 1995-03-29 | 2001-07-31 | Caterpillar Inc. | Method for producing production control software for a natural gas or diesel engine controller |
DE19615560A1 (en) | 1996-04-19 | 1997-10-23 | Bhs Corr Masch & Anlagenbau | Method and device for producing and depositing sheets cut from a material web, in particular a corrugated cardboard web |
US6274187B1 (en) | 1996-06-19 | 2001-08-14 | Thomas J. Lipton Co., Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Aqueous tea extract concentrate stable at ambient temperature |
US5873248A (en) * | 1996-06-21 | 1999-02-23 | Caterpillar Inc. | Turbocharger control system |
US5771861A (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1998-06-30 | Cummins Engine Company, Inc. | Apparatus and method for accurately controlling fuel injection flow rate |
US6036986A (en) * | 1997-10-28 | 2000-03-14 | Lipton, Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Cinnamic acid for use in tea containing beverages |
US6022576A (en) | 1997-10-28 | 2000-02-08 | Lipton, Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Flavoring materials for use in tea containing beverages |
US6178748B1 (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 2001-01-30 | Navistar International Transportation Corp. | Altitude compensating wastegate control system for a turbocharger |
US6286480B1 (en) * | 1998-11-16 | 2001-09-11 | General Electric Company | Reduced emissions elevated altitude diesel fuel injection timing control |
US6098602A (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2000-08-08 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Exhaust gas recirculation system |
US6423362B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2002-07-23 | Lipton, Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Heated storage solution |
US6413570B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2002-07-02 | Lipton, Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Tea concentrate |
US6423361B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2002-07-23 | Lipton, Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Heated dilution water |
US6234149B1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2001-05-22 | Cummins Engine Company, Inc. | Engine control system for minimizing turbocharger lag including altitude and intake manifold air temperature compensation |
US6495049B1 (en) * | 1999-10-21 | 2002-12-17 | The Coca-Cola Company | On premise water treatment system with temperature control water release and method |
US7115297B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2006-10-03 | Suzanne Jaffe Stillman | Nutritionally fortified liquid composition with added value delivery systems/elements/additives |
US6325050B1 (en) * | 2000-03-24 | 2001-12-04 | General Electric Company | Method and system for controlling fuel injection timing in an engine for powering a locomotive |
JP2002089324A (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2002-03-27 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Fuel injection control device of cylinder injection engine |
US6453799B1 (en) | 2000-11-14 | 2002-09-24 | Ecoaid Corp. | Automatic vending machine with functional water generator |
US6584391B2 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-06-24 | International Engine Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Engine torque calculation |
US6575144B2 (en) * | 2001-07-31 | 2003-06-10 | Ford Motor Company | Method for controlling an engine utilizing vehicle position |
US6871014B2 (en) * | 2002-04-26 | 2005-03-22 | The Coca-Cola Company | Water treatment system and water heater with cathodic protection and method |
-
2003
- 2003-06-02 US US10/452,620 patent/US7141264B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-05-12 BR BRPI0411138-9A patent/BRPI0411138A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-05-12 WO PCT/EP2004/005129 patent/WO2004105501A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2004-05-12 CN CNB2004800152422A patent/CN100421566C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-05-12 ES ES04732317T patent/ES2289517T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-05-12 PT PT04732317T patent/PT1628539E/en unknown
- 2004-05-12 PL PL04732317T patent/PL1628539T3/en unknown
- 2004-05-12 EP EP04732317A patent/EP1628539B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-05-12 AT AT04732317T patent/ATE368386T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-05-12 DE DE602004007914T patent/DE602004007914T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-05-12 JP JP2006508174A patent/JP4473265B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-05-12 ZA ZA200508773A patent/ZA200508773B/en unknown
- 2004-05-12 AU AU2004243472A patent/AU2004243472B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2004-05-12 RU RU2005137568/13A patent/RU2354231C2/en active
- 2004-05-12 CA CA002524432A patent/CA2524432A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-12 MX MXPA05012881A patent/MXPA05012881A/en active IP Right Grant
-
2006
- 2006-08-23 US US11/466,521 patent/US20060286263A1/en not_active Abandoned
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MXPA05012881A (en) | 2006-02-22 |
JP4473265B2 (en) | 2010-06-02 |
US20040241299A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
US7141264B2 (en) | 2006-11-28 |
RU2005137568A (en) | 2006-05-10 |
CN100421566C (en) | 2008-10-01 |
BRPI0411138A (en) | 2006-07-18 |
DE602004007914D1 (en) | 2007-09-13 |
US20060286263A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 |
ES2289517T3 (en) | 2008-02-01 |
DE602004007914T2 (en) | 2007-12-06 |
WO2004105501A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
EP1628539A1 (en) | 2006-03-01 |
CA2524432A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
PL1628539T3 (en) | 2007-12-31 |
AU2004243472B2 (en) | 2007-07-26 |
CN1798505A (en) | 2006-07-05 |
PT1628539E (en) | 2007-11-02 |
AU2004243472A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
ATE368386T1 (en) | 2007-08-15 |
RU2354231C2 (en) | 2009-05-10 |
ZA200508773B (en) | 2007-01-31 |
JP2006526397A (en) | 2006-11-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060286263A1 (en) | Functional Water | |
EP1472932B1 (en) | Process for producing green tea polyphenol | |
US6884444B1 (en) | Drinks with the use of seawater and process for producing the same | |
EP2826381A1 (en) | Beverage containing tea leaf pectins | |
US20060159828A1 (en) | Sports drink and method therefor | |
CN101558804B (en) | Process for producing tea flavor | |
US20070122539A1 (en) | Beverage with high levels of alkaloid | |
WO2006064755A1 (en) | Method of storing fragrant component | |
JPH07313062A (en) | Method for obtaining caffeine-reduced coffee extract, method for obtaining coffee beverage from the same, method for obtaining instant coffee from the same, and method for obtaining concentrated solution of coffee extract from the same | |
CN113841760A (en) | A beverage prepared from tea and coffee, and its preparation method | |
JP2001190256A (en) | Mineral spring water drink containing mineral ingredient originated from deep water | |
JP3407207B2 (en) | How to improve the taste of coffee extract | |
US6777006B2 (en) | Water for extraction of coffee ingredient | |
EP3247222B1 (en) | Improved beverage comprising tea polyphenols | |
Vázquez et al. | Other foods of plant origin | |
KR101758157B1 (en) | Liquid composition containing high catechins |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20051021 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: ZHANG, SHI-QIU,UNILEVER BESTFOODS |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 602004007914 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20070913 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: PT Ref legal event code: SC4A Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION Effective date: 20071022 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GR Ref legal event code: EP Ref document number: 20070403004 Country of ref document: GR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: PL Ref legal event code: T3 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20071101 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2289517 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20071101 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20080506 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20080526 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20080527 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Payment date: 20080528 Year of fee payment: 5 Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20080524 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Payment date: 20080530 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20090528 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20090518 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: PL Payment date: 20090420 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: PT Payment date: 20090423 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Payment date: 20090624 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20090528 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
NLV4 | Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 20091201 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20091201 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090512 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20091202 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20090513 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20080512 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20070801 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090513 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: PT Ref legal event code: MM4A Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES Effective date: 20101112 |
|
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: UNILEVER N.V. Effective date: 20100531 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20100512 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20110131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20101112 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100531 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090512 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20101201 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100512 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: PL Ref legal event code: LAPE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100512 |